Everything You Need To Know About Visiting European Christmas Markets

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A Brief History Of Christmas Markets In Europe

Originating in Germany, there’s a bit of a debate as to which city can lay claim to the, “oldest” Christmas Market. Most of it comes down to whether it’s the oldest or if it’s not the oldest continually running market that takes the crown. At any rate, if you’re looking to visit the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe, you need to head to either the Nuremberg Christkindlemarkt (1628)  or the Dresden Striezelmarkt (1434). 

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Christmas Markets began to spread beyond the borders of Germany to many other regions across Europe; Austria, Switzerland, the Alsace region of France, Northern Italy, and beyond. The early markets much like their modern counterparts were places for people to buy meats, baked goods, and other commodities for celebrating the holidays. Held in public squares, usually near churches in areas frequented by all classes of people the markets quickly took on a life of their own as a societal mixing pot during the Christian holiday season. 

By the early 1900’s with the advent of big box stores, the traditional markets slowly became a relic of the past and very nearly disappeared altogether. However, by some miracle, the markets not only managed to survive through two world wars but once again began to thrive in the 1960s and evolved into what we see today. 

What  Are The Best Christmas Markets In Europe?

There’s no such thing as a bad Christmas market. Choosing which one to go to can be an overwhelming and daunting process. From large bustling cities to small quaint villages every single market has a personality all its own, and they are all worth a visit. When you start to feel overwhelmed planning your “perfect” Christmas market trip, worry not, there are no wrong choices. 

If you’re looking for something specific, we’ve got you covered, with this helpful little list:

Award Winning Markets

• Budapest, Hungary

• Tallinn, Estonia 

• Prague, Czech Republic

• Basel, Switzerland

Our Personal Favorites

• Stuttgart, Germany

• Strasbourg, France 

• Tallinn, Estonia

How To Visit Christmas Markets

Just like there’s no bad market, there’s also no wrong way to “visit” the markets. 

Pick A Single City

If you’ve never been to a Christmas Market it’s easy to assume that each city is comprised of a single market, but that’s not the case, especially when it comes to the larger cities. A great example is Munich, which has multiple markets spread out across the city, each with its own theme and special vibe. If you find yourself short on time or you simply don’t want to spend your holiday season traveling from place to place, then picking one city could be the perfect solution. 

Pick A City And Day Trip

This is a fantastic option if you want to visit multiple markets in different places but don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving hotels, it’s also a great way to experience markets in big cities and nearby smaller towns and villages. Just make sure to book a hotel close to the train station to make coming and going as easy as possible. 

Our favorite option for this route is Strasborg, France or Basel Switzerland from both of these cities you can easily visit markets in Paris, Colmar, and depending on which city you choose to stay in Strasborg or Basel. We think it’s the perfect plan! 

City Hop

Train travel and a European vacation go hand in hand, and what more magical time to travel by train between cities than at Christmas? City hopping is a great way to get to see as many markets as possible in a short period of time, and the best part is since most markets really shine in the evening hours, you won’t miss out on anything by spending your days taking in the sights from the train. 

Christmas Market River Cruise

It’s hard to imagine a more magical way to experience multiple cities and multiple markets in one trip than aboard a river cruise. You get to experience all the beauty of traveling through Europe with the luxury of only having to unpack your suitcase once. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Christmas Markets?

European Christmas Markets typically run from late November through Christmas Eve, however, some of the larger and more popular markets will remain open through the first of January. When making plans to visit a specific market it’s best to check with the city’s website to get the exact details on opening dates and daily hours of operation. 

Most Christmas Markets are open daily and usually begin welcoming customers around 11 am (1100) and begin to close up between the hours of 9 pm (2100) and 10 pm (2200). 

It’s a great idea to get to the markets just before sundown so you can take some of the best photos with both the twinkling lights and enough daylight to not have to deal with fancy camera settings, but you’ll want to stay into the evening hours when the magic of the night really shines. 

How To Dress For The Markets

Layers, layers, and more layers. The weather in Europe, and especially in the region where the most popular Christmas markets take place can be highly unpredictable. You can expect anything from rain, sleet, and snow, so it’s incredibly important to be prepared for it all. The absolute most important thing you pack on your trip is a comfy pair of shoes because you’re going to be on your feet, a lot. 

Looking for a complete packing list? We’ve got you covered: How To Pack For European Christmas Markets

What To Bring With You To The Markets

Cash, And Small Change

Cash is king at the markets, so it’s a good idea to just plan on all of your spending to be card-free. A few of the larger vendors may take cards but it’s few and far between and the last thing you want to be doing with your precious magical hours at the markets is searching for an ATM. 

Hold on to your 1 and 2 euro coins, if you can. There’s no such thing as a free public restroom in Europe, and you’ll need these when all that tasty Gluhwein catches up with you. 

Hand Warmers

Gripping on to a pipping hot mug of Gluhwein is a fantastic way to keep your fingers warm and toasty on a cold December night, but that only lasts so long. If you’re a cold-natured person these hand warmers can save the day. We’re huge fans of the rechargeable warmers, over the single-use options. Check them out here. 

Hand Sanitizer 

You’re going to be doing a lot of touching and eating with your hands at the markets, and if getting sick is not on your to-do list this holiday season, a bottle of hand sani can save the day! Check them out here. 

Hand Wipes And Napkins

With all the handheld snacks and munchies, things can get messy fast and to be completely honest, Christmas market vendors are super stingy when it comes to handing over napkins with your food, so it’s best to bring your own, and maybe even a small pack of wipes to help with the stickier stuff. Napkins are also super great if you decide to keep your Gluhwein mug to keep any little leftover bits of liquid from dripping all over your other things.

Check them out here. 

A Small Tote Bag 

Avoid a big backpack if you can, especially at the larger markets. Into the evening hours, some markets can get extremely crowded and a large backpack just makes things worse. If you’re planning on making purchases it’s a good idea to bring a small tote bag with you- we prefer the ones that can fit right into your pocket, like this. If you’re going to bring a backpack make sure it’s slim and easy to carry. Check  them out here.

Camera

This goes without saying, but you’re going to want a way to capture those special market memories. Lucky us to live in a time where cell phones and cameras are an all in one luxury! But if you’re looking to go beyond the cell phone snaps, a small but powerful pocket sized GoPro/GoPro 360 is a great option over carrying a DSLR or mirrorless monster.

Check  them out here.

Water

Christmas markets are an experience, and like any experience, the price of goods reflect that, so unless you’re in the market for a highly overpriced bottle of water, we suggest bringing your own along with you. We really love this super slim bottle for events like this since it easily fits inside a bag or jacket pocket.

Check them out here!

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Christmas Market Experiences

Download Helpful Apps

There are a couple of super helpful apps you’re going to want to have on your phone to make the most of your Christmas market experience. Here we go…

Flush Toilet Finder

You’ll thank us for this later. Public toilets are not a thing in Europe, and finding one can be ridiculously hard. This little app uses your location to help you find all the toilets within a reasonable distance to you so you don’t get stuck having to do the potty dance all around town. 

City Tourism Apps 

Most major European cities have tourism apps that can be super helpful for first-time visitors. These apps have loads of helpful information such as maps, freebies, and lists of must-see sights, and events happening around the city. 

Transportation Apps

This is essential, especially if you’re going to be traveling by train. Trains travel can be notoriously well dare we say, unpredictable, and winter weather doesn’t make it any better. Downloading apps for the specific companies you’ll be traveling with gives you access to your tickets and alerts regarding platform changes, delays, etc. 

Google Translate

It never hurts to have this one handy.

Try The Local Foods

If there’s one thing you should be doing at the Christmas markets it’s EAT. There are so, so many options, and they are all so good! If you see an extra long line that’s probably because it’s extra good. Whether you’re a sweet or a savory person, you’re sure to find something delicious! 

Need a little inspiration? Check this out: Traditional Christmas Market Foods, You Should Be Eating

Wear Comfortable Shoes

We’ve already mentioned this once but it’s worth mentioning again and again, wearing the right shoes will make all the difference in your Christmas market experience. The perfect shoes should be, warm, waterproof, and easy to walk in. Take The stress out of packing and let us do it for you: How To Pack For European Christmas Markets

Shop For Handmade And Local Goods

Christmas markets have their roots in tradition, but as they’ve grown in popularity unfortunately so have the amount of mass-produced goods being sold. It’s always a good idea to take a lap or two around the market, shop with your eyes, and then swing back by to purchase the items you really want, that way you can sort out the local and handmade goodies from the other stuff you could buy in any gift shop anywhere in the world. 

Research Special Events

Most markets have special events happening either daily or once or twice during the season, and we can promise you, that you won’t want to miss out on them. A little research will go a long way so you don’t miss out on anything amazing, like the live choir performances in Vienna, the light shows in Strasbourg, or the terrifyingly fun Krampus Run in Munich.

Wondering What A Krampus Run Is? Check Out This Post:

Krampus Runs: Strangest The Holiday Tradition You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Other Helpful Tips

Learn A Little Of The Local Language

No one expects you to be fluent in every language in every country you visit, but it does help especially at the markets to know a few words here and there. Simple things like please and thank you will go a long way in helping you make friends, and it never hurts to know a few food words so you know what you’re eating. 

What the heck is a PFAND?

In most German-speaking countries when you order food or beverages and they’re served to you on real plates and ceramic mugs you’ll encounter a PFAND charge. A PFAND is a deposit that gets returned to you when you return your mug or plate. If you decide to keep your mug ( which many people do) you forfeit your pfand/ deposit. 

One quick note before you go!

The links provided in this blog post are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing some of the gear listed, we get a very small portion of the sales, with no extra cost to you. Thank you as always for supporting us and our wild life!